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enchantingreads_rosyreviews's reviews
86 reviews
Royally on the Rocks by Irene Bahrd, Irene Bahrd
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
“I wake in the morning with my arms wrapped around Sage from behind. Her pillow wall is nowhere to be found.
She looks around, finding the discarded pillows on the ground. ‘Was that you or me?’
‘That was all you, love.’”
🥃
This story hit a little harder than Irene’s other romances, because of the MS (Multiple Sclerosis) angle. Our MMC’s mother has progressive MS and our FMC has relapse-remitting MS, the latter being something I confront constantly because I’m a caretaker for my close family member who’s been diagnosed for over 20 years. With this representation in Sage’s love story, I was instantly drawn in and Irene delivered a sweet story about loving someone with a disability. Although Sage feels like her diagnosis makes her difficult or a burden to love, she is shown how, those who truly love unconditionally, won’t let MS or any challenges that stem from it, stop them from sharing their love and support.
These thoughts might lean on the emotional side, don’t let that fool you. Yes, Irene delivers a deep, moving story about real-world struggles someone with a disability, especially with MS, deals with in trying to not burden their loved ones with the symptoms of their disability. And yes, that hit close to home (literally) for me and my personal experience. But she also keeps her classic scenes of spicy spice and parody humor. Plus, she threw in a fictional country nestled between England and Scotland (imagine that... can I visit there please? And maybe snag me a husband? 😉) with a modern royal family that you are guaranteed to love. Overall, this story delivers on everything you like in an Irene Bahrd book, but she gives us a little extra heart on this one. I really liked it.
🥃
This story hit a little harder than Irene’s other romances, because of the MS (Multiple Sclerosis) angle. Our MMC’s mother has progressive MS and our FMC has relapse-remitting MS, the latter being something I confront constantly because I’m a caretaker for my close family member who’s been diagnosed for over 20 years. With this representation in Sage’s love story, I was instantly drawn in and Irene delivered a sweet story about loving someone with a disability. Although Sage feels like her diagnosis makes her difficult or a burden to love, she is shown how, those who truly love unconditionally, won’t let MS or any challenges that stem from it, stop them from sharing their love and support.
These thoughts might lean on the emotional side, don’t let that fool you. Yes, Irene delivers a deep, moving story about real-world struggles someone with a disability, especially with MS, deals with in trying to not burden their loved ones with the symptoms of their disability. And yes, that hit close to home (literally) for me and my personal experience. But she also keeps her classic scenes of spicy spice and parody humor. Plus, she threw in a fictional country nestled between England and Scotland (imagine that... can I visit there please? And maybe snag me a husband? 😉) with a modern royal family that you are guaranteed to love. Overall, this story delivers on everything you like in an Irene Bahrd book, but she gives us a little extra heart on this one. I really liked it.
🥃
“Sage, have you ever been in love? Because I thought I had, but it was nothing compared to how I feel about you. MS doesn’t scare me. Flare ups don’t scare me. You needing me definitely doesn’t scare me. You don’t scare me. So, this—you and me—shouldn’t scare you.”
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Chronic illness, Cursing, and Terminal illness
Minor: Misogyny, Death of parent, and Alcohol
The chronic/terminal illness mentioned in this book is Multiple Sclerosis. Two characters have this diagnosis, at different stages of progression, and are explained in detail.
Trouble with a Twist by Irene Bahrd
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
[At the suggestion of their friend, Jason becomes a book boyfriend to seduce Charlotte.]
“Taking cue from Ethan, I reach my hand up to rest it on the top of the door frame, leaning in slightly. ‘Forget your key, sweetheart?’
She takes a step closer, biting her lip. ‘You’re doing the doorway thing.’
‘Doorway thing?’ I say coyly. ‘Oh, you mean this?’
I wrap my free hand around her, pull her to me, then press her against the door jam, our faces inches apart.
‘Yeah, that,’ she says breathlessly.”
🍋
I don’t have much experience with autistic people (or “neurospicy”) people in my life, but it was a pleasure to follow Charlotte’s story in this romance. I feel like neurodivergence and mental health in general were represented well in this book. Both main characters, Jason and Charlotte, have a lot to learn about how best to communicate and love each other. It’s because of their love for one another that they go to therapy and continue to better themselves so they can be the best partner possible. I LOVE that!
Although this book has lots of feels in it, Irene makes sure to bring her classic comedic timing (especially from Ethan) and spicy content. Plus, Charlotte and Jason work through some intimacy challenges that both realistic and somewhat inspiring. May we all find someone who supports us, loves us unconditionally, and will work to better themselves while inspiring us to do the same. Jason and Charlotte are a great couple you’re sure to fall in love with!
Charlotte and Jason give us MAJOR Ross and Rachel season 5 finale/season 6 vibes (if you catch my drift). Plus, Charlotte’s autism and ADHD “neurospicy” personality is wonderfully approached and represented well. Tackling some very real-world challenges, the main couple’s relationship is forced to grow and adapt, which we can all relate to. But Irene’s spicy, comedic style remains present throughout… my favorite number might be 10 now 😉… and I loved the arc both Jason and Charlotte go through during this story. I just love them together!
🍋
I don’t have much experience with autistic people (or “neurospicy”) people in my life, but it was a pleasure to follow Charlotte’s story in this romance. I feel like neurodivergence and mental health in general were represented well in this book. Both main characters, Jason and Charlotte, have a lot to learn about how best to communicate and love each other. It’s because of their love for one another that they go to therapy and continue to better themselves so they can be the best partner possible. I LOVE that!
Although this book has lots of feels in it, Irene makes sure to bring her classic comedic timing (especially from Ethan) and spicy content. Plus, Charlotte and Jason work through some intimacy challenges that both realistic and somewhat inspiring. May we all find someone who supports us, loves us unconditionally, and will work to better themselves while inspiring us to do the same. Jason and Charlotte are a great couple you’re sure to fall in love with!
Charlotte and Jason give us MAJOR Ross and Rachel season 5 finale/season 6 vibes (if you catch my drift). Plus, Charlotte’s autism and ADHD “neurospicy” personality is wonderfully approached and represented well. Tackling some very real-world challenges, the main couple’s relationship is forced to grow and adapt, which we can all relate to. But Irene’s spicy, comedic style remains present throughout… my favorite number might be 10 now 😉… and I loved the arc both Jason and Charlotte go through during this story. I just love them together!
🍋
"'I’ve been under her spell for so long, where do I start? She’s so [f***ing] smart, loves her job, loves her family—my family—with her whole heart. I love that she thinks about things I never would have thought of. Her autism and ADHD aren’t a disability, they make her who she is and I wouldn’t change a single thing about it. Sure, the sensory overload sucks, but her mind is so damn beautiful that I would hold her through any meltdown if it meant I still get to hear her tell me how excited she is about a new theme park ride she researched or sing songs off-key from Taylor Swift’s newest album.'”
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders and Sexual content
Moderate: Cursing
Minor: Ableism and Alcohol
The panic attack is due to an overstimulated autistic "meltdown" and the anxiety that comes with such an event.
Mule Tide Cheer: A Pucking Holiday ErotiCom Novella by Irene Bahrd, Irene Bahrd
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
3.5
“’... Riley wanted to surprise you for Christmas but I’m now realizing this is [f***ing] creepy, us just showing up like—‘
Riley yells over him, ‘It’s not creepy, it’s endearing, like one of those holiday romance movies.’”
🥃
Honestly, I don’t know how much I can say about this smutty little novella while remaining in compliance with “community guidelines.” 😉 Irene cuts right to it in the content warnings... you will be questioning why you started this novella and will be left wondering where the plot is because it’s only smut. However, knowing that going in, you should be able to appreciate this story for what it is: a hot night with one girl, one guy, and one French-Canadian during the holidays. It’s fun, it’s purely spicy, and, yet, it’s also tender in certain moments.
If you’re picking this up expecting plot or character advancement, then you clearly didn’t read the content warnings. It’s very clear, this is just a throuple being established at a bar, going back to a hotel, and having a hot night together. Sure, we’ve heard of Matt and Riley from other books in the series, but “Puck” is a hockey player from Montréal and a French-Canadian, bisexual iteration of “rico suave” (and we kinda love his directness). Enjoy this holiday hook-up!
🍋🟩🫚
Honestly, I don’t know how much I can say about this smutty little novella while remaining in compliance with “community guidelines.” 😉 Irene cuts right to it in the content warnings... you will be questioning why you started this novella and will be left wondering where the plot is because it’s only smut. However, knowing that going in, you should be able to appreciate this story for what it is: a hot night with one girl, one guy, and one French-Canadian during the holidays. It’s fun, it’s purely spicy, and, yet, it’s also tender in certain moments.
If you’re picking this up expecting plot or character advancement, then you clearly didn’t read the content warnings. It’s very clear, this is just a throuple being established at a bar, going back to a hotel, and having a hot night together. Sure, we’ve heard of Matt and Riley from other books in the series, but “Puck” is a hockey player from Montréal and a French-Canadian, bisexual iteration of “rico suave” (and we kinda love his directness). Enjoy this holiday hook-up!
🍋🟩🫚
“He helps her out and pulls her to him, sliding his hand in her hair and kissing her like something out of a movie. I can’t help the smile tugging at my lips; the love they have for each other is unlike anything I’ve ever seen in real life.”
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Rosé to the Occasion by Irene Bahrd
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.5
“When I look over to check for Jake’s reaction, his lips are in a fine line, eyes cast down. He shouldn’t be upset by this. A marriage of convenience is the oldest trope in the book, up there with fake dating and enemies-to-lovers. Except in real life, it never ends in living happily ever after. I should really stop reading the romance books Charlotte recommends to me.”
🌹
This novella focuses on two side characters from Sage & Eddie’s story, so it almost feels like bonus content for the world Irene has built. If you read Sage’s story, then you’d probably assume Jake and Lydia would get together (I mean, they are practically giving Darcy hand-flexing vibes with the level of pining and stolen glances they had). But I never expected their physical relationship to reveal itself in this manner... that’s Irene keeping us on our toes!
As King, Jake is up against another arcane law that requires him to be married, so he turns to Lydia, the family friend and girl he’s pined after for years. Turns out, she likes to take control in the bedroom and, even though she’s secretly loved him, she can’t possibly force a king to kneel… right? This was a unique novella was an unexpected pleasure to read. Lydia’s Domme relationship with Jake manifests itself in a way that seems organic to their relationship dynamics though and, as always, you can’t help but root for them.
🌹
This novella focuses on two side characters from Sage & Eddie’s story, so it almost feels like bonus content for the world Irene has built. If you read Sage’s story, then you’d probably assume Jake and Lydia would get together (I mean, they are practically giving Darcy hand-flexing vibes with the level of pining and stolen glances they had). But I never expected their physical relationship to reveal itself in this manner... that’s Irene keeping us on our toes!
As King, Jake is up against another arcane law that requires him to be married, so he turns to Lydia, the family friend and girl he’s pined after for years. Turns out, she likes to take control in the bedroom and, even though she’s secretly loved him, she can’t possibly force a king to kneel… right? This was a unique novella was an unexpected pleasure to read. Lydia’s Domme relationship with Jake manifests itself in a way that seems organic to their relationship dynamics though and, as always, you can’t help but root for them.
🌹
“‘I’m yours, Jake, until you dare to break my heart.’
‘I’m yours, even if you break mine.’”
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Cursing
Wine About It by Irene Bahrd
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
“‘I’ve been in love with you from the moment I laid eyes on you. It’s never just been sex for me... I want you here. I need you here, but I don’t want to risk moving too fast and losing you. I made that mistake once, I won’t make it again.’”
🍷
This story is probably one of the cutest novellas you will read and it’s mostly because of Robbie’s love for Harriet and I just love them! Pining after her since they were young, spending five years apart, and finally coming back together, it’s young love at its best. They may have had a slightly taboo beginning (thank you Miss Charlotte for keeping Robbie in line), but their young love felt inevitable. Plus, you get a bit of a sports romance, too!
Robbie’s devotion to Harriet, making him get heart eyes any time he sees her, is definitely something to swoon at. While this one wasn’t as spicy as you can come to expect from Irene (she warns you ahead of time), it’s full of love, adoration, sweet scenes, and playful adventures. Without spoiling the story, the secret they carry as a couple is very cute and feels like something out of a Taylor Swift song or cute romance movie. And this story is complete with an adorable, multi-lingual term of endearment that will leave you swooning. This was, by far, the most fun I’ve had reading something from Irene and I will always love Harriet and Robbie.
🍷
This story is probably one of the cutest novellas you will read and it’s mostly because of Robbie’s love for Harriet and I just love them! Pining after her since they were young, spending five years apart, and finally coming back together, it’s young love at its best. They may have had a slightly taboo beginning (thank you Miss Charlotte for keeping Robbie in line), but their young love felt inevitable. Plus, you get a bit of a sports romance, too!
Robbie’s devotion to Harriet, making him get heart eyes any time he sees her, is definitely something to swoon at. While this one wasn’t as spicy as you can come to expect from Irene (she warns you ahead of time), it’s full of love, adoration, sweet scenes, and playful adventures. Without spoiling the story, the secret they carry as a couple is very cute and feels like something out of a Taylor Swift song or cute romance movie. And this story is complete with an adorable, multi-lingual term of endearment that will leave you swooning. This was, by far, the most fun I’ve had reading something from Irene and I will always love Harriet and Robbie.
🍷
“It’s only ever been you... You’re the love of my life, Harriet. I’m not stuck with you; I have the honor of being your husband.”
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexual content
Sip Happens by Irene Bahrd
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
“I’ve always been surrounded by grandiose love stories. My father found his first love after years apart, and they are now happily married. My uncle and aunt fell in love, and seeing how obsessed he is with her has set a standard. My other aunt fell for her step-sister’s ex-husband. I’m still trying to wrap my head around that one; my family is a hot mess that deserves daytime talk show praise. Hell, my sister married a professional baseball player and eloped to avoid media coverage. I’ve grown up knowing that there’s no such thing as too much love and that it comes from unexpected places. Here I am in a bar, and there’s a man serenading me with 90s pop hits. What if this is how my own love story begins? Who am I to discount him?”
🌌🌉
After catching up on the Top Shelf Romances series and meeting Lizzy’s entire family (it’s a village really), this novella felt like the perfect conclusion to both series. But, as the author warns in the beginning, you should NOT read this novella before reading these books... or at least some of them. I also really liked that we got to see what happened when Cam went back to San Francisco because we got a teaser of this in Unexpectedly Ruined, but never knew the full story... until now.
And boy, oh boy, was it a good story! Cam and Lizzy meet at her museum but nothing can keep them from each other. I mean, it’s not called a workplace romance troupe for nothing! However, they are both playful with one another and balance each other out in a way that’s hard not to love. There’s definitely spice and tons of humor, but my favorite scenes are the group ones when we see all of our favorite couples and Cam fits in perfectly. I adore Lizzy’s personality and how well Cam fits into her family unit, plus, they really seem to be the perfect match. It’s near impossible to pick a favorite, but Cam and Lizzy are definitely top contenders for me in Irene’s world. It’s going to be sad to say goodbye to the Top Shelf and Love at All Cost crew, but I’m pleased with where their happily ever afters have gone.
🌉🌌
After catching up on the Top Shelf Romances series and meeting Lizzy’s entire family (it’s a village really), this novella felt like the perfect conclusion to both series. But, as the author warns in the beginning, you should NOT read this novella before reading these books... or at least some of them. I also really liked that we got to see what happened when Cam went back to San Francisco because we got a teaser of this in Unexpectedly Ruined, but never knew the full story... until now.
And boy, oh boy, was it a good story! Cam and Lizzy meet at her museum but nothing can keep them from each other. I mean, it’s not called a workplace romance troupe for nothing! However, they are both playful with one another and balance each other out in a way that’s hard not to love. There’s definitely spice and tons of humor, but my favorite scenes are the group ones when we see all of our favorite couples and Cam fits in perfectly. I adore Lizzy’s personality and how well Cam fits into her family unit, plus, they really seem to be the perfect match. It’s near impossible to pick a favorite, but Cam and Lizzy are definitely top contenders for me in Irene’s world. It’s going to be sad to say goodbye to the Top Shelf and Love at All Cost crew, but I’m pleased with where their happily ever afters have gone.
🌉🌌
“‘Why do you insist on calling me Liz?’ I laugh and look up at him.
‘Because no one else does. It’s something that’s only mine.’”
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Cursing
Best Laid Plans by Emily Silver
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
“My heart aches for him. At the sweet little boy that was raised like that. It’s the image he shows the world. The bad boy. The villain. Someone not to be messed with. But that’s not the real Cash. It’s the man sitting in front of me. Whose tender heart was battered and bruised growing up. Cash put up walls to protect himself... ‘I don’t like people feeling sorry for me... Especially you.’
‘All I see is a person who survived the only way they knew how. I’m glad you told me.’
‘Only you, Princess. You’re the only person I’ve told.’”
💜 🏒
It’s near impossible to pick a favorite couple from Emily Silver’s world because I love them all uniquely. However, it’s hard not to hold Alex & Carter closer because of their sweet and enduring romance. So then, in her new series, when Emily introduced us to Alex & Carter’s daughter, Angie, and made her fall in love with the son of a villain in Alex’s story... I fell in love with them and cherish their young, passionate love.
So, when in book 2, we get another second generation romance, I knew it would be special. But I didn’t expect to like it THIS much! After devouring this ARC, I couldn’t help but fall in love with sweet Piper and Cash’s story. Cash Williams is known for getting into fights on the ice, mouthing off to reporters and wearing a permanent scowl on his face. To save his image, he enters a fake relationship with a physical therapist intern, younger sister to his teammate and overall sunshine woman, Piper Fields.
This book is everything we love about a grumpy/sunshine troupe with a dash of hockey/sports romance to boot! Our main couple compliment each other well and they make it easy to love their relationship, “fake” status or not. Plus, when one is filled with self-doubt or begins to question their worth, the other is quick to support them… I mean, that’s practically the definition of “couple goals!” The spice in this book is... unexpected 😉... and definitely SPICY! But the commentary about self-love and sense of worth gives this book so much heart, that it might be my favorite Emily Silver story, so far (I mean... only if you’re holding my hand to the fire and forcing me to choose... please don’t! 😆)
💜
It’s near impossible to pick a favorite couple from Emily Silver’s world because I love them all uniquely. However, it’s hard not to hold Alex & Carter closer because of their sweet and enduring romance. So then, in her new series, when Emily introduced us to Alex & Carter’s daughter, Angie, and made her fall in love with the son of a villain in Alex’s story... I fell in love with them and cherish their young, passionate love.
So, when in book 2, we get another second generation romance, I knew it would be special. But I didn’t expect to like it THIS much! After devouring this ARC, I couldn’t help but fall in love with sweet Piper and Cash’s story. Cash Williams is known for getting into fights on the ice, mouthing off to reporters and wearing a permanent scowl on his face. To save his image, he enters a fake relationship with a physical therapist intern, younger sister to his teammate and overall sunshine woman, Piper Fields.
This book is everything we love about a grumpy/sunshine troupe with a dash of hockey/sports romance to boot! Our main couple compliment each other well and they make it easy to love their relationship, “fake” status or not. Plus, when one is filled with self-doubt or begins to question their worth, the other is quick to support them… I mean, that’s practically the definition of “couple goals!” The spice in this book is... unexpected 😉... and definitely SPICY! But the commentary about self-love and sense of worth gives this book so much heart, that it might be my favorite Emily Silver story, so far (I mean... only if you’re holding my hand to the fire and forcing me to choose... please don’t! 😆)
💜
“Piper, the sweet little Princess, falling for me, the villain.”
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Infidelity and Misogyny
Minor: Emotional abuse and Alcohol
The emotional abuse in this book is mentioned in reflection by a main character recalling a toxic relationship with their parent, who has since passed.
Of Sand & Silk by Claire Butler
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
“... not even the curse of the gods could keep them apart. Love is eternal. It endures all things.”
🧡
Following Henri from the Red Wood series, we dive headfirst into his culture shock when arriving in his new Middle Eastern kingdom. Navigating new climate, curious kings, assassination attempts, flavorful food, and open, non-rigid romances, Henri is confronted with a whole new world. Claire does a fantastic job of delivering a mysterious, romantic, and magical story that constantly keeps us on our toes… seriously, there are twists and turns around every corner! Although the only existing characters we see are Henri and Ele, the newest additions to our cast are just as lovable and complex as those in the Red Wood series. This is a FANTASTIC read!
Technically, this can be read as a standalone because it’s the start of a new series, but I FULLY recommend reading the two books of the Red Wood series. It’s where we get introduced to Henri & Ele and the past he’s dealing with as he starts his new life hits harder when you know all of the details.
That said, man, oh man, this is a GREAT book! Be warned, it ends on a cliffhanger and will leave you with many unanswered questions... but that’s just because the storyline and character development is too enticing to not fully invest in Claire’s world. I was hooked from the beginning and loved the cultural change as we were introduced to Ottoman Empire-era life. There is an EPIC slow-burn, bisexual awakening romance that will leave you clutching your heart in adoration for our main couple.
Mix in jealous and curious kings from neighboring kingdoms, sand magic, assassins, scorching afternoons, a lavish multi-day festival, embroidered clothing, prepping for a deadly trial/summit, people keeping secrets (like, SO many secrets), and camels... literally. This book has everything you could want in a Middle Eastern romantasy read!
🧡
Following Henri from the Red Wood series, we dive headfirst into his culture shock when arriving in his new Middle Eastern kingdom. Navigating new climate, curious kings, assassination attempts, flavorful food, and open, non-rigid romances, Henri is confronted with a whole new world. Claire does a fantastic job of delivering a mysterious, romantic, and magical story that constantly keeps us on our toes… seriously, there are twists and turns around every corner! Although the only existing characters we see are Henri and Ele, the newest additions to our cast are just as lovable and complex as those in the Red Wood series. This is a FANTASTIC read!
Technically, this can be read as a standalone because it’s the start of a new series, but I FULLY recommend reading the two books of the Red Wood series. It’s where we get introduced to Henri & Ele and the past he’s dealing with as he starts his new life hits harder when you know all of the details.
That said, man, oh man, this is a GREAT book! Be warned, it ends on a cliffhanger and will leave you with many unanswered questions... but that’s just because the storyline and character development is too enticing to not fully invest in Claire’s world. I was hooked from the beginning and loved the cultural change as we were introduced to Ottoman Empire-era life. There is an EPIC slow-burn, bisexual awakening romance that will leave you clutching your heart in adoration for our main couple.
Mix in jealous and curious kings from neighboring kingdoms, sand magic, assassins, scorching afternoons, a lavish multi-day festival, embroidered clothing, prepping for a deadly trial/summit, people keeping secrets (like, SO many secrets), and camels... literally. This book has everything you could want in a Middle Eastern romantasy read!
🧡
“...for the first time in her life, she knew what love looked like. The selfless prioritization of another’s needs over one’s own. A steadfast devotion despite no guarantee of receiving anything in return. Love was an act of faith. A bitter sweet affliction. And no one ever truly survived it.”
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Cursing, Death, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Sexism, Slavery, Alcohol, and Classism
Minor: Child abuse, Misogyny, Blood, Murder, and Colonisation
It Starts with Us by Colleen Hoover
Just when I thought I couldn't be more in love with a character, they impress me more. Men, we think it's sexy when you support your women... we WILL love you more, I promise. I have never finished one book and moved to another as fast as I did when I finished It Ends with Us (in the wee hours of the morning). Sure, there was an open ending with the first book, but mostly, I just needed MORE of these characters! This was the sequel we NEEDED in our lives. Once you’ve read the first, you MUST read this… life is not complete without it.
As with the first, this story deals with surviving domestic violence and the trauma that lingers with every interaction and memory drudged up. But it’s also a story about fighting and building your happily ever after. Lily has to be brave enough to go after what she wants and realize the value in being and having a supportive partner and found family.
Although there was still conflict to keep us engaged, this book was just icing. Because I am a new #cohort fan, I didn't know there was a world where this sequel didn't exist. So, THANK YOU to the fans for demanding one and THANK YOU Colleen for listening and delivering such a great book!
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
"Nothing you have done and nothing you could do would excuse any man’s hands on you out of anger."
Just when I thought I couldn't be more in love with a character, they impress me more. Men, we think it's sexy when you support your women... we WILL love you more, I promise. I have never finished one book and moved to another as fast as I did when I finished It Ends with Us (in the wee hours of the morning). Sure, there was an open ending with the first book, but mostly, I just needed MORE of these characters! This was the sequel we NEEDED in our lives. Once you’ve read the first, you MUST read this… life is not complete without it.
As with the first, this story deals with surviving domestic violence and the trauma that lingers with every interaction and memory drudged up. But it’s also a story about fighting and building your happily ever after. Lily has to be brave enough to go after what she wants and realize the value in being and having a supportive partner and found family.
Although there was still conflict to keep us engaged, this book was just icing. Because I am a new #cohort fan, I didn't know there was a world where this sequel didn't exist. So, THANK YOU to the fans for demanding one and THANK YOU Colleen for listening and delivering such a great book!
"How in the world she can make me feel so whole when I had no idea I was only half of myself without her."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders and Sexual content
Minor: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Cursing, and Abandonment
The Big Game by Emily Silver
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
“It’s been on and off all day—the nerves and the anxiety of playing in the big game tomorrow. Every kid who played backyard football wanted to lift that trophy. It’s everything we’ve worked toward in our professional careers and it’s finally here…
It’s not just another game.
It’s the Big Game.
The f**king Super Bowl.”
🏈
After four books with the Denver Mountain Lion men (and several years in their timeline), everything comes down to this finale novella. The boys are in the SUPER BOWL, BABY! It’s been a battle to get the team here, but they’ve finally made it and we couldn’t be happier. However, if you thought it was easy to win the Super Bowl, you’d be sorely mistaken. This is a fitting conclusion to the Denver Mountain Lions series and I enjoyed checking in with everyone and seeing how their lives might continue after the last page. A novella packed with emotion and action, this gave us a POV chapter from just about everyone Emily created in her football universe! We got updates in the years since we last saw them and Emily gave us little nuggets of what their futures will look like as we say goodbye to these characters. Overall, this was a great series and it makes me miss football season!
There is a bonus scene that you can get when you subscribe to Emily’s newsletter, which takes place before this novella that is HILARIOUS! The team has their Christmas party and there is an ugly sweater contest... let’s just say Knox and Colin proved themselves to truly be brothers from different mothers. 😆 It’s TOTALLY worth a read! Thanks to Emily Silver for creating this world, I really enjoyed it!
After four books with the Denver Mountain Lion men (and several years in their timeline), everything comes down to this finale novella. The boys are in the SUPER BOWL, BABY! It’s been a battle to get the team here, but they’ve finally made it and we couldn’t be happier. However, if you thought it was easy to win the Super Bowl, you’d be sorely mistaken. This is a fitting conclusion to the Denver Mountain Lions series and I enjoyed checking in with everyone and seeing how their lives might continue after the last page. A novella packed with emotion and action, this gave us a POV chapter from just about everyone Emily created in her football universe! We got updates in the years since we last saw them and Emily gave us little nuggets of what their futures will look like as we say goodbye to these characters. Overall, this was a great series and it makes me miss football season!
There is a bonus scene that you can get when you subscribe to Emily’s newsletter, which takes place before this novella that is HILARIOUS! The team has their Christmas party and there is an ugly sweater contest... let’s just say Knox and Colin proved themselves to truly be brothers from different mothers. 😆 It’s TOTALLY worth a read! Thanks to Emily Silver for creating this world, I really enjoyed it!